PASSENGERS risk being “priced off the railways” by the Government’s rail investment project, campaigners warned yesterday.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening admitted the £9.4billion scheme would be funded in part by fare rises.

For the next two years passengers face increases of three per cent above the Retail Prices Index for regular fares such as season tickets. But some unregulated fares – such as anytime tickets – could rise by up to 11 per cent in January, according to analysts.

By 2014 passengers will be covering 75 per cent of the costs compared with 50 per cent two years ago, as the Government cuts its support for the rail industry.

Stephen Joseph, head of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “The investment is good news for the railways. However, we are disappointed that the Government has confirmed RPI+3 per cent fare rises for the next two years. Pricing people off the railways will mean many passengers simply won’t be able to afford the benefits this investment will bring.”

we are disappointed that the Government has confirmed RPI+3 per cent fare rises for the next two years

Head of the Campaign for Better Transport Stephen Joseph

Ms Greening said that “affordability is absolutely key” but added: “For the time being passengers will pay.”